Gulmarg Gondola Booking Online: Prices, Phases & Timings (2026 Guide)
By Suhail Bhat · Last updated:
Getting there? Srinagar to Gulmarg taxi with a local driver, fuel and tolls included.
About this activity
The Gulmarg Gondola is Asia's highest and longest cable car, a two-phase ropeway run by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), and you should book it online in advance: on the official JKCCC portal (etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com) up to 60 days ahead, or through Poise Travel and Tourism at the government-approved rate with no extra charges.
Phase 1 climbs from the meadows of Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori (3,080 m). Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak at about 3,980 m, with views of the Pir Panjal range, Nanga Parbat and the Kashmir Valley. Online booking in advance is strongly recommended; on-the-spot counter sales are limited or suspended, and tickets sell out quickly in peak season.
- Location: Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir
- Operated by: Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation (JKCCC), a Government of J&K undertaking
- Phases: Phase 1 (Gulmarg → Kongdoori) and Phase 2 (Kongdoori → Apharwat Peak)
- Ticket price: ₹810 (Phase 1) and ₹1,010 (Phase 2) per person
- Booking window: up to 60 days in advance
- Boarding: 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, last return at 5:00 PM
- Closed: 2nd and 4th Monday of every month (maintenance), and in bad weather
What is the Gulmarg Gondola?
The Gulmarg Gondola, officially the Gulmarg Ropeway, is a two-phase cable car that carries passengers from Gulmarg town to the glacial bowl of Apharwat Peak, close to 4,000 metres up.
It is one of the world's highest cable car rides and a major attraction in Jammu & Kashmir. The cabins are spacious and seat up to 6 passengers.
The two phases at a glance
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Gulmarg → Kongdoori | Kongdoori → Apharwat Peak |
| Elevation | 2,650 m → 3,080 m | 3,080 m → about 3,980 m |
| Distance | About 5 km | About 2.5 km |
| Ride time | About 9–12 minutes | About 12–15 minutes |
| Views | Pine forests, meadows, golf course | Snow-capped peaks, Nanga Parbat, glacier fields |
| Activities | Beginner skiing, sledding, photography | Advanced skiing, trekking, snow activities |
| Operation | Year-round, weather permitting; runs more reliably | Weather-dependent; often closes for high wind, poor visibility and heavy snowfall |
How much does a Gulmarg Gondola ticket cost in 2026?
A standard ticket costs ₹810 per person for Phase 1 and ₹1,010 per person for Phase 2, at rates set by JKCCC.
| Category | Phase 1 (Gulmarg → Kongdoori) | Phase 2 (Kongdoori → Apharwat) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (standard rate) | ₹810 per person | ₹1,010 per person |
| Tatkal / last-minute | About ₹1,110 per person | About ₹1,300 per person |
| Children under 3 | Free | Free |
| Soldiers with ID card | Free | Free |
Source: JKCCC official notifications and multiple travel sources.
- Students with a valid ID card may receive discounted rates.
- Prices are set by JKCCC and may be revised. Always confirm the current rate when you book.
- The official JKCCC rate list may vary; these are the most commonly cited figures for 2026.
What are the Gulmarg Gondola timings?
Boarding starts at 9:30 AM and strictly closes at 3:30 PM, and the last return is at 5:00 PM.
| Item | Timing |
|---|---|
| Boarding commences | 9:30 AM |
| Boarding strictly closes | 3:30 PM |
| Last return | 5:00 PM |
| Maintenance closure | 2nd and 4th Monday of every month |
Weather closures
- High winds: complete shutdown
- Heavy snowfall: temporary pause until conditions improve
- Low visibility: Phase 2 may close while Phase 1 continues
Pro tip: reach the gondola base by 8:30 AM in summer. In peak season (May–July), queues can stretch to 2–3 hours by 10 AM.
How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets online?
Book on the official JKCCC portal, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com, up to 60 days before your ride. Online booking in advance is strongly recommended; on-the-spot counter sales are limited or suspended, so do not travel counting on one.
On the official JKCCC portal
- Booking window: up to 60 days in advance, first-come, first-served
- Tatkal booking: opens online daily at 5:00 PM for the next day's rides, and tickets are issued strictly against Tatkal charges
- Avoid touts: book online and do not fall prey to touts or other mischievous elements
Through Poise Travel and Tourism
We book your tickets on the official JKCCC portal at the government-approved rate, with zero additional charges. We simply facilitate the booking on your behalf.
- Send us your preferred date, phase(s) and number of passengers.
- We check availability on the official portal.
- We book your tickets at the government-approved rate.
- You receive your booking confirmation by email.
- No extra charges: pay only the government-approved rate
- No hassle: we handle the online booking for you
- Expert guidance: we help you choose the right phase and time slot
- Peace of mind: avoid touts and black marketing
Booking tips
- Book 2–3 weeks in advance in peak season; tickets sell out quickly.
- Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and get clearer views.
- Carry valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport or voter ID) for verification.
Phase 1 or Phase 2: which should you choose?
Choose Phase 1 if you are travelling with children or elderly family, and Phase 2 if you want the summit, the glacier and the full Gulmarg experience.
Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori): best for families
Kongdoori station, at 3,080 m, has stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas, and enough snow for snow activities even in summer (June–August). It is safe and accessible for all ages.
- Families with children
- Elderly visitors
- First-time visitors
- Anyone who wants the experience without the altitude challenge
Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak): best for adventure seekers
The summit is close to 4,000 m. Even in July you stand on a glacier, with panoramic views of Nanga Parbat and the Great Himalayan Range.
- Adventure seekers
- Photography enthusiasts
- Skiers and snowboarders
- Anyone who wants the full Gulmarg experience
Altitude: some people feel mild altitude sickness (headache, breathlessness) on Phase 2. Carry water, avoid exerting yourself, and stick to Phase 1 if you are prone to it.
What can you expect on the Gulmarg Gondola ride?
Expect a short ride per phase in a cabin for up to 6 people, with green meadows giving way to snowfields and, on clear days, Nanga Parbat on the horizon.
Before boarding
- Arrive at the gondola base at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Carry valid ID proof for verification.
- Dress in warm layers; temperatures drop sharply with altitude.
- Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
During the ride
- The lush meadows of Gulmarg giving way to snow-covered slopes
- The Pir Panjal range
- The Kashmir Valley far below
- Nanga Parbat, the world's 9th highest peak, on clear days
At Kongdoori (Phase 1)
- Sledding and beginner skiing
- Photo opportunities against mountain backdrops
- Limited food and beverage options
At Apharwat Peak (Phase 2)
- Glacier views, even in summer
- Panoramic views of the Great Himalayan Range
- Advanced skiing and snowboarding
- Trekking
When is the best time to ride the Gulmarg Gondola?
It depends on what you want: summer (May–September) for pleasant weather at the base with snow at the top, or winter (December–February) for heavy snowfall and skiing.
- Summer (May–September): pleasant weather at the base, snow at the top
- Winter (December–February): heavy snowfall, best for skiing
- Peak season (May–July): expect long queues and book well in advance
Whatever the season, go early in the morning for clearer views, and check the weather before you set out: the gondola may close in bad conditions.
What should you wear and carry for the Gulmarg Gondola?
Wear warm layers and sturdy, grippy shoes, because temperatures can drop below freezing at the higher stations.
- A warm jacket or heavy woollens
- Sturdy shoes or snow boots with good grip
- Gloves, a scarf and a woollen cap
- Sunscreen and sunglasses; UV rays are stronger at altitude
- Water and light snacks; altitude can cause dehydration
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport or voter ID)
Highlights
- Asia's Highest Cable Car — Soar to nearly 4,000 metres at Apharwat Peak, one of the highest cable car rides in the world
- Two Distinct Phases — Choose Phase 1 for family-friendly views or Phase 2 for adventure seekers
- Panoramic Himalayan Views — Witness the Pir Panjal range, Nanga Parbat (world's 9th highest peak), and the Kashmir Valley
- Year-Round Snow — Phase 2 offers glacier views even in summer
- Snow Activities — Skiing, sledding, and snow play at Kongdoori and Apharwat
- Government Regulated Rates — Transparent pricing set by JKCCC with no hidden charges
- Zero Commission Booking — Poise Travel and Tourism books tickets at official rates with no extra charges
Included / Excluded
- Gulmarg Gondola ride as per selected phase(s)
- Government-regulated pricing with no hidden charges
- Breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Kashmir Valley
- Access to snow activities at Kongdoori and Apharwat Peak (seasonal)
- Photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and beverages
- Ski equipment rental (available at Kongdoori)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Any additional activities not mentioned in the package
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does the Gulmarg Gondola cost in 2026?
- Government-approved rates are ₹810 per person for Phase 1 (Gulmarg to Kongdoori) and ₹1,010 per person for Phase 2 (Kongdoori to Apharwat Peak). Tatkal (last-minute) tickets cost more, roughly ₹1,110 and ₹1,300. Children under 3 ride free, and soldiers with ID ride free on both phases. JKCCC may revise prices, so confirm when booking.
- How do I book Gulmarg Gondola tickets online?
- Book on the official JKCCC portal, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com, up to 60 days ahead; tickets are first-come, first-served. Poise Travel and Tourism can also book for you: send your date, phase and number of passengers, we check availability and book at the government-approved rate with no extra charges, and you receive confirmation by email.
- Can I buy Gulmarg Gondola tickets at the counter in Gulmarg?
- Online booking in advance is strongly recommended; on-the-spot counter sales are limited or suspended. Book on the official JKCCC portal, etickets.jammukashmircablecar.com. If you missed advance booking, online Tatkal tickets open daily at 5:00 PM for the next day's rides, at higher Tatkal rates. Do not buy from touts.
- What are the Gulmarg Gondola timings?
- Boarding starts at 9:30 AM and strictly closes at 3:30 PM, and the last return is at 5:00 PM. The gondola is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for maintenance. High winds, heavy snowfall or low visibility can also pause or close the ride, especially Phase 2.
- Should I choose Phase 1 or Phase 2 of the Gulmarg Gondola?
- Phase 1 rises from Gulmarg (2,650 m) to Kongdoori (3,080 m) and suits families, children, elderly visitors and first-timers. Phase 2 continues to Apharwat Peak at about 3,980 m, with glacier views and Nanga Parbat on clear days, and suits adventure seekers. Some people feel mild altitude sickness on Phase 2.
- What is the best time to ride the Gulmarg Gondola?
- Summer (May–September) brings pleasant weather at the base with snow at the top, while winter (December–February) has heavy snowfall and is best for skiing. Peak season is May–July, when queues can stretch to 2–3 hours by 10 AM, so book 2–3 weeks ahead and reach the base by 8:30 AM.
- Is the Gulmarg Gondola safe?
- Yes. It is run by the Jammu & Kashmir Cable Car Corporation, a Government of J&K undertaking that follows safety protocols with regular checks and inspections. For passenger safety it closes in bad weather, high winds or heavy snowfall. Phase 1 suits all ages, while Phase 2 may cause mild altitude sickness for some.